![]() Novice drivers often make the mistake of slowing down or coming to a stop at the end of the acceleration lane while trying to identify a gap in the traffic. When traffic on the highway is flowing freely, you must merge into the right-hand lane without slowing down or stopping. Keep searching for a suitable gap in traffic as you approach the end of the acceleration lane. Shorter lanes demand sharper acceleration to match the speed of highway traffic before the lane ends. ![]() How rapidly you should accelerate will depend on the length of the acceleration lane. You must pay close attention to the speed of vehicles in the right-hand lane while using the acceleration lane, to make sure you can adjust your speed appropriately. Using acceleration lanesĪt the end of the entrance ramp, you will enter the acceleration lane, which is designed for drivers to increase their speed to match that of existing highway traffic. Make sure you observe the correct signal light for the lane you are occupying when using a double merge lane. If this is the case, there may be two ramp meters – one for each lane. As double merge lanes are often used on high-volume entrance ramps, it is likely the ramp will also be controlled by ramp meters. It may be that the highway entrance ramp starts with two lanes which eventually merge into a single lane. If two or more cars are permitted entry on a green light, this information will be displayed on a road sign. A green signal usually means that one car may enter, though some interchanges may have higher limits. Never attempt to enter a highway under a red ramp meter light. These simple signal lights moderate the flow of vehicles entering the highway to prevent congestion and have only two signals – red and green. Glance over your shoulder and use your side mirror to look for a gap in the traffic.īe prepared that traffic on the highway could be at a standstill or moving very slowly.īusier interchanges may have traffic control devices known as “ramp meters”. Do not worry if the highway is elevated or obscured by a barrier – keep your attention focused on the end of the entrance ramp to check for hazards.Īctivate your turn signal before you reach the end of the entrance ramp, to show your intention to merge into the acceleration lane. ![]() At this point, drivers should scan the highway to ascertain traffic density, speed and how much space will be needed to merge successfully. You may be able to start assessing traffic conditions on the highway from the entrance ramp if it runs adjacent to the road. Using entrance rampsĪlso known as “on-ramps”, entrance ramps may be curved, straight, uphill, downhill or on a level with the highway. Remember that motorists already using the highway have the right-of-way. As soon as you are able, begin scanning the right-hand lane of the expressway for gaps in the traffic. Having successfully navigated the interchange and chosen the correct ramp, you will move through a three-stage entry zone comprising of the entrance ramp, an acceleration lane and a merging area. Of course, accidentally entering via an exit ramp would be a far more dangerous mistake! Should you encounter “DO NOT ENTER” or “WRONG WAY” signs on what you believe to be an entry ramp, pull over right away and turn around when it is safe to do so. If you end up traveling in the wrong direction, it could be a while before you can exit and reverse your course. Entry ramps feeding into both sides of the highway are often positioned close together. Identifying your desired route should be relatively easy - depending on the design of the highway interchange – but getting on the highway traveling in the correct direction can be tricky. As you approach the highway interchange, pay close attention to route number road signs and directional information.
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